Marlon Claims Hat Trick

Marlon Harewood is claiming three goals after Saturday's 4-0 win over Wigan on Saturday - and says he can't wait for Jermain Defoe to return to the action.

Jason Jarrett will probably not argue about that; he was the man who slid home Marlon's low cross to make it 2-0 and then also give away the penalty from which Marlon made it 3-0 in the second half.

"I am claiming a hat trick; you claim everything, don't you?" he says.

"I took the match ball home after getting the lads to sign it for me.

"I never dreamt of such a home debut but the lads made me feel so comfortable to just go out there and play.

"The lads here are so good together and enjoy themselves and they made me feel welcome so you can just go out there and do your stuff."

As for that spot kick, Marlon says:

"It wasn't decided before - Conners was due to take it but he was okay with me taking it."

Alan Pardew will have six strikers to choose from when Jermain Defoe returns from suspension and Neil Mellor from injury, and Marlon says: bring it on.

"I like the competition and I can't wait for Jermain to come back," he insists,; "and I don't care who plays as long as we win games."

The game was already up and running with a 2-0 margin before Matt Jackson and Lee McCulloch were sent off either side of half time and Marlon adds:

"That is the way the game goes but I didn't really take any notice of the sendings off.

"I don't know how the crowd could be restless at 3-0; teams work harder with nine men."

Marlon now wants West Ham to go on a consistent run and adds:

"There are high hopes at this club and I hope we can carry on."

Alan Pardew adds:

"Marlon has impressed me with his character and his mentality since he came here - he has been laid back and very calm about things."

Of the game overall he adds:

"I'm not going to get ecstatic about the victory because there is still a lot of work to do but I thought the first half was terrific - they were struggling to deal with our power and they lost two players through that.

"I think the sendings off were just and Paul Jewell must be disappointed with that.

"He is a strong character who I have come up against him a few times, and I really like the guy; he has got strong ethics and I like the way his team plays.

"Wigan didn't come to our place and shut up shop."